Daily Inspiration: Meet Vanessa Medina

Today we’d like to introduce you to Vanessa Medina.

Hi Vanessa, we’d love for you to introduce yourself.
Growing up in Los Angeles, California, surrounded by the film industry and being so fascinated by it, it was no surprise that I also wanted to make some magic with a camera. As a photographer, I’ve not only created my own set but have had the opportunity to be on other local artists and creative sets, and I couldn’t be more thankful for every opportunity that has come my way. I thought I’d never get this far, at least not this soon. Yet here I am, telling my story to all of Nashville. Almost 10 years ago, after I’d just turned 20 and was in a dark place, my life shifted when I decided to move to Tennessee on a whim with a friend. I had sixty dollars and a trash bag full of clothes. We resided in Clarksville, TN, for about 6 months until I decided Clarksville wasn’t for me and would move back to sunny California. One of My older brothers, who lived in Franklin, TN, gave me a call to check in on me as he did from time to time. I told him that Clarksville wasn’t working out for me and that I was going home. About ten minutes later, he called me back and proposed that I check out Franklin and stay with him, his wife, and my 3 beautiful nieces until I found a job and got a place of my own. If I didn’t like it, he would repurchase my ticket back home; A no-brainer. I was nervous and unsure if what I’d done at the time was the right move. It didn’t really matter because I had nothing to lose besides what little money I had left and a trash bag full of clothes. I think Janice Joplin says it best, “Freedoms just another word for nothing left to lose,” and that’s just it….I was free. After making all my wonderful friends, who now feel like family to me, and settling in Franklin, TN, I started picking back up my hobbies and playing with a camera. I’ve always had a good eye for landscape photography and didn’t venture from that until a friend asked me to take her pictures one day. I was very uncomfortable photographing  portrait because I wanted it to look how she envisioned herself. What I didn’t realize at the time is the art of photography is how the photographer captures the subject in all its beauty, not the other way around. Once I understood that concept, I got more creative with it and my photos became more meaningful to myself and my clients.

We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Moving to Tennessee at the time felt like moving to a new world. In a sense, I guess it was. There were so many challenges and obstacles that I had to overcome, and learning from these struggles was probably and has been the most challenging part. I had to relearn a lot about myself and the trauma within that I had ignored and purposely forgotten about for so long. Every memory of my past would hit in literal flashbacks, and suddenly I was in a panic. This negatively affected my life, like my friendships, jobs, and family. I was very stubborn to admit that I dealt with any PTSD or anxiety and needed help. I didn’t grow up in a “traditional” family household where mom and dad were always present. So from an early age, I was very independent but I’m not sure what kind of person I’d be if I were raised in a different environment. Therefore, I’ve forgiven the past and couldn’t be more thankful that I am who I am today because of it. With the proper help, My life has shifted positively in multiple ways, from healing to an honorable journey.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Currently, I’ll photograph anything. I have an edgy style when it comes to photography, but I often love a challenge and can switch things up at any time. I’m currently into still, lifestyle, and music photography; I love to photograph musicians doing their thing. The energy is always great and inspires me. What sets me apart is my ability to adapt. Whether adapting to new environments, energy, or people, I’ve always been good at it, and it has led me to make cool connections and opportunities.

Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
Being extremely independent for so long, I kept to myself a lot, unfortunately. Now that I’m older, I wish I had communicated more. Jay Shetty is someone whose podcasts I love to listen to and has motivated me for the past couple of years to pursue my goals but the people that played the most significant role in my life, whether they knew it or not, were my older siblings. I looked up to my older siblings greatly when I was younger. Some were in a good spot in life, and some were not. As a kid, I looked at what was working for some and what wasn’t; My brain created a mental list of “Do’s and Don’ts.” I can’t say I paid attention to everything on that list, but for the most part, it all worked out to get me where I am now. One vital piece of advice I took from the Disney movie Alice in Wonderland is; If you’re not sure where you’re going, it doesn’t matter what road you take, you’ll end up where you were meant to be.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: vinnyvandawson2.0